Murray - Animal testing ban could be at risk from Brexit

The European Parliament is today expected to vote for a ban on the sale of cosmetics tested on animals outside the EU, a move which, if enacted, would significantly strengthen the existing ban on testing cosmetics on animals inside the EU.

Campaigners are warning, though, that Brexit could place any such ban at risk if the UK is held to ransom by Donald Trump over a US trade deal.

Commenting, Ian Murray MP, a leading supporter of the People's Vote campaign, said:

“Millions of ordinary Britons support the idea of a ban on animal testing on cosmetics and will be pleased to hear that the European Parliament is today taking a major step towards making that a reality.

“They will also be worried and angry that Brexit threatens to destroy any progress to such a ban.

“The MEPs are voting to ban the sale of any cosmetics which have been tested on animals outside the EU. As most US states and federal law effectively allow animal testing, then imports from the US and US companies could be hard hit by such a ban.

“But we all know what the attitude of Donald Trump to any such ban will be. If, out of desperation, we sign a trade deal with the US president he is unlikely to want to keep any measures that restrict US companies from what they can sell in Britain. Cosmetics tested on animals will join chlorine-washed chicken as unwanted products forced on British consumers by Brexit.

“As we find out more and more about what Brexit really means and what it might to do to environmental and consumer protection, more and more people are supporting the demand for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal.”